New power connections to be pre-paid – UMEME

New domestic and small commercial power users will effective next month be connected to the pre-paid metering system, commonly known as ‘Yaka.

This was revealed by the Umeme board chairman Patrick Bitature who said that  the move seeks to improve efficiency.

He added that it will save the company costs related to conversion of old customers from the post-paid to the pre-paid system.

The Yaka billing system is projected to reduce energy losses accrued from bill estimation and non-compliance from customers, which will in turn translate into increased revenue.

Pre-paid billing system was piloted in 2011 in the areas of Kitintale, Mbuya, Mutungo and Luzira and later rolled out in Nateete in 2012.
Outside Kampala, pre-paid metres have also been installed in Nyendo-Masaka. The new move will, however, cover the whole country.

With pre-paid meters, it is believed consumers will not only budget for their power but also pay for what they have actually used as opposed to estimates that have drawn criticisms from consumers for quoting inflated figures—bills.

Umeme’s target is to make another 200,000 connections by the end of next year

Source: Monitor.co.ug